The house WMSUMC helped build for the local doctor, across the street from the hospital, was completed and dedicated.

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1 West Market St. Outreach Ministry Spotlight: GUATEMALA Jim and Dianne Thompson founded the Boca Costa Medical Mission (BCMM), which is the organization associated with our work in Guatemala. Many people have enjoyed an incredible experience by participating in a team, making a tax-free donation, and/or praying for this valuable mission. Around 2000, with help from Jan Fleagle, WMSUMC became a part of this mission. One of our contributions has been to send a team there at least once a year. Dianne Thompson and Maria Jose submitted a report to the Board of Directors about this mission in 2016 and projected their goals for Health care to the indigenous in Guatemala has its challenges and there are several models of rural health care clinics that are sustainable. Below are some excerpts from that report. In 2016, we started the dental clinic and we added our support to the local library which might have shut their doors, as so many other places have, due to lack of funds. The library staying open is directly the result of the team of youth from WMSUMC who traveled to Guatemala in 2016 and saw the huge impact the library provided to the community. In addition to the books, the library provides a safe resource, including tutoring to the kids in the community daily after school. The funding source for the facility ended and the team decided to fund the salary of the librarian for The house WMSUMC helped build for the local doctor, across the street from the hospital, was completed and dedicated. Overall fundraising went fairly well. We gained another Great Non- Profit badge. This award reflects all the independent positive reviews that have been posted by volunteers and donors who have walked through our doors. We have been awarded this status four years in a row.

2 The BCMM began receiving medical teams in 2004 and we had 9 teams this year, including WMSUMC twice--one being their youth group and the other their annual medical/stove team. We have become an important piece of Xojola s health system. Even better, we have created our own health system that is more consistent and reliable than the Guatemalan Government s system. The people feel confident and secure knowing that they can come to our door to ask for different types of help. We are not only providing them Medical care, we are also providing lots of education and Social care. And, when we are not able to help with their issue, we are also providing accompaniment and referring them to other institutions so they can be helped. The communities are improving by coming to the clinics every month to get their prescriptions refill and are more aware of preventive medicine. In 2017, we have our new projects underway and we foresee about 7 or 8 teams. I would like to see the Dental Program to continue and get more dental donations; that way, the Boca Costa doesn t pay all the cost. I would like to get the School supplies for Garbage Program running in the way that all the other programs run. Get more teams to do educational workshops (about Nutrition, Diabetes, Garbage, Worms, Water, and Hypertension). I believe that education is the key to have healthier people. I also would like to have workshops with women to teach them a way to make a little money with crafts that they could sell later. (There are people that I know that is willing to come and teach) and we all know that these women are very crafty, so it wouldn t take too much time or work. I m also trying to engage the Guatemalan people with the donations. This will take much more time but I think that, little by little, we can make a difference. All of our local staff will stay the same. It is great to know that our small mission is working and making an impact. It is a great blessing for me to know you will all be here in Guatemala sometime throughout this year representing Christ through your prayers and presence. If you are interested in learning more about this amazing mission or want to hear about it in your Sunday school class (or any group you are involved in), please contact Tommy Gray at Thank you for your prayers, support, and financial contributions over the years; you make a difference! Without your support, we would not have such

3 a positive, strong, Christ-based foundation for this mission. Thank you, also, to Jan Fleagle, Dr. Peter Blomgren, Jim and Dianne Thompson, and Maria Jose Yurrita Martines for including WMSUMC and making this a wonderful God-based opportunity for both communities! Humbly, Tommy Gray Reflections from a First-time Traveler to Guatemala To be the hands and feet of Jesus is truly a humbling experience! We began our journey with a giving heart and having no expectations of what we would receive. Little did I know that we would be the ones who received more than we gave. There were many things I saw and experienced that let me know that I am blessed in so many ways. Eva and I were fortunate to work in multiple areas while in Guatemala. We served in the village where the Onil stoves were being installed. It was there we learned, no matter what language you speak, spreading love and kindness is universal and it can be spread by actions or words. In the village, we handed out beaded 'Jesus' bracelets we had made to remind all of us that He is with us always! We carried all types of goodies that Eva had collected to share: Her Halloween candy, a few trinkets she had purchased, fingernail polish, and even a Polaroid camera one of the team members sent with us. By the end of the week, we had a group of children who enjoyed learning, engaging, and assisting us with each stove we installed. We also worked in the clinic. Individuals would travel hours to be able to be seen wearing their 'Sunday's best', including their shoes. It reminded me of how Jesus washed His disciples feet. Instead, we took time to fit them and provide 'just the right' pair to all who were seen. In addition, we handed out the toiletry bags we had helped make in 'Sew

4 What'. Seeing the recipients faces light up after they received one of the bags confirmed, for me, that it is better to give than to receive. Another happening at the clinic: Clothes were shared with individuals. Eva and Avery were delighted to know that several items went to children who had befriended us during our week there. One morning, Eva and I went to the library and assisted the librarian/teacher. Eva taught a group of children which gave the librarian/teacher time to focus more individualized attention on her students. As we have reflected, so many things, whether great or small, bring joy! Being able to serve and be served has only intensified the desire to continue to seek out ways, near and far, to share the love and light of Jesus Christ. -Gena Hargis and Eva Mustard Seed Mission to Bulgaria It is that time of year when we start to think about our trip to Bulgaria. Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 19 at 12:15pm and come to the Conference Room. This will be the informational meeting where plans will be shared about our trip which begins July 8. We will be working alongside our brothers and sisters in Miziya, Pleven, and Voyvodovo as we share the Gospel and continue building relationships with our friends there. There are scholarships available for this trip. Hope to see you March 19! If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Mary Ann James at jamesma3527@gmail.com or Ongoing Outreach Opportunities Hot Dish & Hope takes place on the second Thursday of the month at First Presbyterian Church. Arrive by 5 PM to assist with setup. If you are interested in helping serve dinner to the homeless on this night, please contact Chuck Jones at cjones@cjoco.com or

5 Potter s House takes place on the fourth Saturday of the month at 6 AM at Weaver House at Greensboro Urban Ministry. We partner with Believer s Missionary Baptist Church to serve breakfast to the residents of Weaver House. Contact: Dianne Druce at dldruce@gmail.com or Greensboro Urban Ministry Spring Food Drive this will take place on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. Volunteers are needed to collect food at the Lowe s Food Store on Old Oak Ridge Road. To volunteer contact Dianne Druce at dldruce@gmail.com or Mobile Meals volunteers are needed to deliver meals to people in their homes on the second Tuesday morning of the month. Contact: Earl Betts at northelm1@northstate.net or A Request from StepUp Greensboro: StepUp Greensboro, a job readiness program in Greensboro, has some specific needs. They are asking for volunteers to work with new clients to guide them on a path to employment. They are also requesting clothing that would be appropriate for interviews. There is a special need for men s clothing that is XL to 4XL and shoes that are size 14 or larger. Shirts need to be sized or larger. They can always use ties. The other request is for men s clothing and shoes in small sizes. Women s clothing needed is in sizes XL to 4XL and shoes that are 10-12, narrow. StepUp also sponsors Encore, where you can donate clothing that will be sold to benefit StepUp. They need sorters on Friday, Saturday and Monday. They must be 18 years or older. Regular clothing can also be donated to Encore: Call Their store is in the Golden Gate Shopping Center on Cornwallis Drive. If you have unusual sized clothing to be donated, call Marsha Cole at West Market Street UMC 302 West Market Street Greensboro, NC SHARE FORWARD Unsubscribe